Jerry Lewis retiring from MDA telethon in Sept.

http://news.yahoo.com ^ | 05/16/2011 | KEN RITTER

[massmike]

After 45 years promoting treatment and a cure for children he calls "my kids," comedian Jerry Lewis announced Monday he is retiring as host of the Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon that has become synonymous with his name.

Lewis, 85, issued a statement through the association calling it "time for an all new Telethon era."

"As a labor of love, I've hosted the annual Telethon since 1966 and I'll be making my final appearance on the show this year by performing my signature song, `You'll Never Walk Alone,'" Lewis said of a shortened six-hour primetime broadcast scheduled for Sept. 4.

[massmike]

[Poison Pill]

Are TV telethons even relevant anymore?

[tflabo]

Wow—he’s been doing that telethon for a long time. He deserves many thanks...it has to end sometime.

[Dr. Sivana]

He deserves many thanks...it has to end sometime.

He will join an elite few whose names became synonymous with the event/program ... Bert Parks, Guy Lombardo, Bob Barker, Casey Kasem, Ed Sullivan, Vin Scully.

[Golden Eagle]

Thanks for posting this, my parents donated most every year, I will try myself this time.

https://secure.mdausa.org/donate/

[merryberry]

As far as I know, when asked, he never would tell WHY HE DOES THIS YEAR AFTER YEAR. I also vaguely remember him saying that we will find out when he dies...?

[loungitude]

With all due respect, his signature song is “You’ll never walk...” ?

[seekthetruth]

God Bless him for hosting for all those years for such a good cause.

[boop]

An interesting aside: in Jerry Lewis' backstage rider, when he performs his comedy act, NO mention of MDA is allowed, and he reserves the right to cancel his show if it is. He also doesn't allow MDA reps or kids to visit him.

I admire his work for charity, but muscular dystrophy is probably never going to be "cured", since it is a genetic disease. Although the money I assume goes also to help with therapy, not just research.

[jimfree]

He will join an elite few whose names became synonymous with the event/program ... Bert Parks, Guy Lombardo, Bob Barker, Casey Kasem, Ed Sullivan, Vin Scully.

I like that comparison. Jerry Lewis (or even Buddy Love), he is the telethon. Being able to do a 46 year run at anything is truly a blessing.

[gusty]

Ladies and Gentleman, Rupert Pupkin.

[Revolting cat!]

[merryberry]

Not knocking Jerry at all...ADMIRATION is the name of the game, but wondering if anyone else heard aboutwhy he refuses to talk about the reason he does it and now you guys bring up other questions. Jerry Lewis is a GREAT AMERICAN personified. Obviously he wants to keep his reasons secret to the nth degree. little nostalgia here ‘Look at us we’re walking, look at us we’re talking..Imagine walking to a candy store..Steve and Eydie got their fame here

[Brandonmark]

1976 Martin-Lewis reunion at MDA telethon arranged by Frank Sinatra

[al baby]

Ask the DNC

[fkabuckeyesrule]

I geuss it wont be the same anymore. Simon Cowell would be a great host. Can you imagine? LOL!

[Erasmus]

I first heard the song when I was a kid. It was on a 50's TV show at a time when Polio was a big deal. They had a very emotional staging of the song with a young girl struggling to ambulate with braces on her legs.

I didn't quite get the concept of the idea being expressed in the song: That "you'll never walk alone" meant that God would always be at your side.

Instead, I thought is was rather insensitive--nay, cruel--to taunt this little girl about her prospective lifetime of disability.

≤}B^) --but a true story.

[Erasmus]

Simon Cowell would be a great host. Can you imagine? LOL!

I vote for Jeremy Clarkson.

[Beowulf9]

I started watching this telethon from New York, and remember when he made his first million. He was so pleased, and at the time, it was considered a lot of money, yes, the md people should thank him for his hard work these many years, he started out when he was at the top of his game in Hollywood and pursued it as a working ‘regular’ guy. Have to give him that.

[Biggirl]

Thanks for the memories also.